A contract is how both sides define done. Use this buyer checklist before you sign.
1. Scope and acceptance
- Attach screen list / prototype as baseline
- Define demos, defect severity, fix windows
- Explicitly list out-of-scope items
Changes after baseline: requirement change control.
2. IP and source
- What repositories are delivered, and when
- Docs and deploy notes
- Third-party license limits
Details: source code ownership.
3. Payment milestones
- Kickoff / mid / pre-release / acceptance
- Pay against demonstrable outcomes
4. Changes, warranty, ops
- How changes are priced
- Warranty vs new features
- Optional software maintenance services
5. Collaboration and compliance
- Named owners and response times
- Data protection boundaries
- Who prepares store / mini program credentials
Pre-sign self-check
- Can you explain the main flow on one page?
- Do quote lines match the contract annex?
- Are source and handover written down?
- Are change and warranty separate clauses?
FAQ
Prototype contract first?
Yes — lock scope cheaply, then sign the build contract.
Is fixed price always safer?
Not if scope is vague. Clear scope, then lock price.
Email only?
Put critical terms in the contract or an addendum.
Takeaway
Write scope, acceptance, source, changes, and warranty clearly. We can discuss delivery terms before drafting.
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